Search Engine Optimisation Services

Google have made changes to the way secure search works for users logged into Google.com. Any search performed whilst a user is logged into a Google account will be done on a secure socket layer (SSL). This change also means that these searches won’t pass on any search term referrer data.

Google claim that “As search becomes an increasingly customized experience, we recognize the growing importance of protecting the personalized search results we deliver. As a result, we’re enhancing our default search experience for signed-in users.”

Whilst Google is claiming that it is making the move to better protect user privacy, search term referrer data will still be passed on to advertisers who use their PPC product. This has left the some of the SEO community unhappy, with claims that Google are effectively saying that you can have the search referrer data but only if you pay for it.

Google may start using social media sites such as Twitter to keep searchers up to date with any Panda updates or Google Algorithm changes in the future.

In the past, Matt Cutts used his blog to post any news on the Panda updates. These became known as ‘weather reports’ but last week he used a tweet to announce that there would be some minor Panda updates implemented in the next few weeks.

Many Seo-ers would welcome this as any information regarding changes would help website owners and marketers maintain their sites to keep their presence in search results.

Google have shown signs that they may be willing to be a bit more open regarding any updates in the future, perhaps the tweet by Cutts could be the start of it.